Chartwells Higher Education and Standard AI eye 100 autonomous retail stores

Standard AI and Chartwells Higher Education, a division of Compass Group, have announced an expanded partnership that will bring 100 autonomous retail experiences to higher education institutions in the US.

In 2020, Chartwells Higher Education was the first company to retrofit an existing retail environment using Standard AI’s autonomous platform, enabling university students to walk in, select their items, and go on their way without having to wait in a checkout line or scan barcodes.

This summer, the pair partnered on six new and revamped markets, including stores at San Jose State University, University of Houston and University of Texas, Dallas.

“University students are truly the shoppers of tomorrow,” says Christopher Burr, VP of Digital Strategy, at Chartwells Higher Education.

“The shift toward autonomous shopping that’s happening today at university campuses will fuel broader expansion of this technology into our neighbourhoods and communities. Waiting in line is quickly becoming a relic of the past.” 

“We’re now at the watershed moment for autonomous retail: Retailers love the cost savings and the ability to differentiate and grow; and shoppers love skipping the line, seamless payment options, and transactions in just seconds," says Jordan Fisher, Co-founder and CEO, Standard AI.

"Students and younger shoppers love frictionless, autonomous shopping for its speed and simplicity. We're excited to partner with Chartwells Higher Ed to roll this technology out to more students and faculty and more universities.”